Liking these posts? Follow Corporette on Twitter — this is the edited version of what we’re reading! (We also Tweet if we hear about a good sale.)

– We loved Emma Watson’s coat, as did the ladies of GFY. Gorgeous! [Go Fug Yourself]

– Two great deals at Banana Republic. First, 40% off all pants through 10/5 (in-store only). Second, from 10/16-10/26, if you bring in a sweater or jacket to donate, they’ll give you 30% off your entire purchase. [Racked]

– Independent women are supposedly destroying the very fabric of society in Britain. It’s being called the Bridget Jones Effect — you know, because she was so independent and self-sufficient. [Daily Mail and The Guardian, via Jezebel]

– Finally: Readers wrote in to us, asking to identify the suit Sarah Palin wore on the debate last night. So far, we’ve had no luck and haven’t seen anyone else get the scoop. We’re guessing it’s black silk shantung… got a belt… three-quarters sleeves… anyone? Anyone?

Ever since we read a Washington Post article suggesting Condaleezza Rice looked like a dominatrix when she wore knee-high boots to a meeting, we’ve been a bit apprehensive about wearing knee-high boots in a professional capacity. So, of course, we polled you guys. The poll is still open, but the answers thus far are in:

37% of you said sure, why not.

28% of you said no, never.

33% of you said, only if worn with dark tights.

We think the numbers speak for themselves — women are pretty divided on this issue. (Our $.02: If you’re a young woman who wears boots to the office, observe your office carefully before you wear them again to see if you’re the only one doing so.) Some commenters noted this was an East Coast/West Coast issue — others noted that a boot with a low kitten heel (and not a stiletto) was appropriate for the office, as well as a boot with a flat heel.

Okay: it seems safe to say we’re in the midst of a financial crisis. But how is it affecting you? Less cabs? More sleepless nights? More days of “breakfast for dinner“? Take our poll and then weigh in, in the comments… we’re curious!

Last week we covered what toiletry supplies you may want to keep in your office — this week, we thought we’d give our recommendations on clothing to keep in your office. (In the coming weeks we’ll also tackle foodstuffs and gadgetry.)

1. A suit. The goal of the suit is to be able to look proper if you have to run to court at the last minute, or if you have an impromptu call to meet with the CEO. Note that if you’re going to keep a skirt suit, you might want to make sure you’ve got pantyhose and possibly a razor blade, as well. Make sure that you’ve got an appropriate top to wear under the suit, as well as appropriate undergarments (i.e., don’t wear a sheer white blouse with a black polka dot bra). It’s also handy to have another outfit on hand in the event of a severe food mishap such as a yogurt spill.

2. Extra panties (preferably ones that don’t show any visible pantylines). Yes, it’s kind of gross to say, but… if you have to pull an all-nighter… if you need to change into a skirt suit with pantyhose and had been wearing boyshorts… if you actually make it to the gym and need to change into a fresh pair… there are lots of different reasons to keep an extra thong or seamless pair tucked discreetly into a gym bag or in a ziplock baggy in your desk drawer. (Why a ziplock baggy? After a while your desk drawers will get gross. We don’t know what happens in there — it isn’t as if ketchup packets implode — but they just get a bit gross. Take our advice and protect your drawers from your drawers.)

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. We begin the week in splurge mode, with our most expensive suggestions, and wind our way to Friday, where a less expensive item of clothing might be just what you need to make it to the weekend.

Today’s splurge item is this gorgeous three-button fitted jacket from Armani. We love the fact that it’s jersey — a very comfortable update on a classic shape and flattering fit — and the houndstooth pattern is one that is always fashionable. Available at Bergdorf’s for $1,995. Armani Collezioni Three-Button Jacket